Crafting Isan long drums through the wood-segment merging technique

Chuangprakhon, S., Seekhunlio, W., Seeyo , W., Santaveesuk, P., and Chen, Q. (2026). "Crafting Isan long drums through the wood-segment merging technique," BioResources 21(2), 4029–4044.

Abstract

This study presents the development of a sustainable alternative method for crafting traditional Isan long drums through a wood-segment merging technique. Using a combination of documentary analysis, field research, and applied experimentation in collaboration with master drum-makers in Mahasarakham and Buriram provinces, the process was carried out in three phases: (1) analysis and design, (2) prototype production, and (3) refinement and final assembly. The revised design divided the drum into three segments—upper, middle, and lower—to improve material efficiency, ease of fabrication, and structural stability. Each segment was constructed from precisely cut, processed wood wedges, glued, shaped on a lathe, and seamlessly joined. The drumhead was prepared following traditional Isan methods, and the finished instrument was tested for tonal quality, showing results comparable to single-log drums. A panel of seven experts evaluated the drum on sound quality, aesthetics, durability, and suitability, with findings indicating equal or superior performance in most aspects compared to traditional methods. The results suggest that the wood-segment merging technique not only preserves the cultural authenticity and acoustic characteristics of the Isan long drum but also offers an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient production method.

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Crafting Isan Long Drums through the Wood-Segment Merging Technique

Sayam Chuangprakhon ,^a Weerayut Seekhunlio ,^a,* Warakorn Seeyo ,^a

Piyapun Santaveesuk ,^a and Qin Chen ^b

DOI: 10.15376/biores.21.2.4029-4044

Keywords: Isan long drum; Wood-segment merging technique; Sustainable craftsmanship; Thai folk musical instrument; Acoustic quality; Thailand; Folk music preservation

Contact information: a: College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand; b: Chongqing Vocational College of Culture and Arts, Chongqing 401320, China; *Corresponding author: weerayut.s@msu.ac.th

Graphical Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Isan long drum is an ancient percussion instrument that produces music by striking a stretched animal leather drumhead. Archaeological evidence reaching back to the 3^rd to 6^th centuries demonstrates its historical use in ceremonial contexts as part of Southeast Asia’s cultural legacy. These drums were first standard in Northern Vietnam and date back to the Dong Son culture, which was noted for its bronze drum artistry. Numerous drums, including bronze drums known as “Dong Son drums,” have been unearthed in various sizes, indicating that ancient cultures produced and continued to use them (Chuthawichit et al. 2014).

The exact origins of the traditional Isan long drum are unknown, but it has become vital to local cultural and ceremonial rituals, frequently performed in ensembles to enhance festivals. The instrument, known locally as “Glong Kon Loong” or “Glong Haang” (bottomless drum or tailed drum), consists of a single drumhead fastened by ropes. The body is generally made of huge logs such as jackfruit, chamcha, mango, or other appropriate woods (Liu et al. 2025). The wood is fashioned by turning or carving, hollowed in the center, and tapered from a wider front end to a narrower tail (Phimprajun et al. 2022; Inchan 2021). A combination of cooked sticky rice and ashes is put on the drumhead to improve the sound quality.

In Isan communities, the long drum is prominently featured in processions marking local ceremonies, including religious festivals, ordinations, and merit-making activities such as Bun Phawet (Month 4), Songkran celebrations, Bun Bang Fai (Month 6), candle processions during Buddhist Lent (Month 8), and other creative events. A long drum ensemble requires a variety of components, including experienced performers, dancers, competent artisans, trained trainers, appropriate practice locations, and auxiliary instruments such as ramana drums, cymbals, ching, phin, bass, and keyboards (Choatchamrat and Moonsuwan 2022).

The traditional Isan long drum has an extended cylindrical shape with a big, rounded head tapering toward the tail, similar to a giant clay mortar with an open, trumpet-shaped end (Detkawinlerd 2025). Traditional resources, such as jackfruit wood, have become increasingly rare, forcing craftspeople to use substitutes such as chamcha or mango wood (Kumnin et al. 2023; Erofeev et al. 2025). These solutions generate equivalent sound quality but are insufficient owing to the ongoing high demand and difficulties in maintenance (Petsaen and Nesusin 2021).

Given these challenges, the researchers have been experimenting with a novel technology called wood-segment merging, which utilizes widely accessible woods such as pine and rubberwood, as well as reused boards from woodworking. This approach aims to alleviate the scarcity of large logs, reduce costs and manufacturing time, and enhance sustainability. By combining smaller wood pieces with contemporary equipment and procedures, this technology enhances resource efficiency, maintains giant trees, and contributes favorably to environmental conservation.

General Knowledge about Traditional Long Drums

According to Champadaeng (2018) and Kritwittaya (2020), the “Klong Yao,” or long drum, normally consists of a single drumhead and an extended body ornamented with colorful cloth and tightening ropes. Pricha Pinthong focused on two separate types: the bigger northern “Klong Aew,” which is used for elaborate processions and religious dances, and a smaller form inherited from Burmese traditions that is generally popular in festive events. Phatthaphong (2017) also emphasized its Burmese origins, implying that it was introduced during historical wars or cultural exchanges during King Rama IV’s reign.

Additionally, Karin (2019) acknowledged uncertainty about the drum’s actual origins, although both noted a strong Burmese influence, likely originating from the Shan (Thai Yai) people. They added that the long drum, originally popular in northern Thailand, became widely used across the country, particularly in ordination parades, festival celebrations, and cultural processions (Khan et al. 2004). Sangaroon et al. (2022) provided additional context, placing the long drum within a broader historical tradition of using percussion instruments for community communication and signaling, which evolved from primitive wooden percussion and animal horns to bronze drums discovered in prehistoric and Dvaravati archaeological sites (Lu et al. 2022; Liu et al. 2024). This narrative emphasizes that the Isan long drum is a complex historical amalgamation that incorporates cultural influences from Mon, Burmese, Shan, and Thai traditions, evolving from a communication and ritual instrument to a valued component of contemporary cultural expression and identity.

Traditional Isan Long Drum-Making Process

The researchers conducted fieldwork to learn about the traditional method of making Isan long drums from solid wood. This procedure, which is still used today, consists of multiple specific phases. First, locally obtained woods, such as jackfruit, mango, or rain tree, are selected and chopped into logs measuring 37” to 43” (94 to 109 cm) in length and 10” to 13” (25.4 to 33 cm) in diameter (Fig. 1a). Before mounting on a lathe, the wood’s exterior surface is coarsely shaped with an axe. To attach the wood to the lathe machine, oval holes are bored into both ends of the log (Denaud et al. 2007; Zarins et al. 2012). Custom-made carving tools, such as sharp lathe knives, are used to shape the drum body, create grooves for metal rings, curve the drum’s waist, and engrave beautiful patterns (Fig. 1b). Once the drum’s shape is finished, the head and tail are trimmed. The inside is hollowed out to a thickness of roughly 1.0” (2.54 cm) using a drill press (Fig. 1c). The drum is then enhanced by applying a combination of sawdust and glue to smooth and seal any cracks or holes. Grooves for threading the drumhead rope are cut evenly, about an inch apart, for a total of 29 holes and the drum is left to cure in the shade for one to two weeks.

Fig. 1a. Wood used to make the traditional Isan long drum

After drying, the drum is sanded with sandpaper while mounted on the lathe, then coated with lacquer and urethane to achieve a polished appearance (Fig. 2a). The drumhead-making process begins with the selection of high-quality cowhide, preferably from a female cow older than two years. The hide is sun-dried, softened with water for 12 hours, dehaired, and battered for flexibility. The drumhead is cut to form, marked, and perforated to match the drum’s groove holes. Threading the drumhead involves three rounds of nylon rope wound in a specific order (Fig. 2b). A second round of threading, the tensioning rope, is completed while the hide is still moist to guarantee correct tightening as it dries. Once fixed, set the drum in the sun to dry, hair side facing outward (Fig. 2c). After drying, the hide is properly scraped and sanded to retain a constant thickness. Finally, the tensioning rope is tightened one more time to achieve ideal drumhead tension and sound quality, bringing the Isan drum-making process to a close (Fig. 2d).

Fig. 2a. The Isan long drum has been turned and coated with urethane

EXPERIMENTAL

This research aimed to develop an alternative method for constructing traditional Isan long drums using a wood-segment merging technique. The motivation for this study arose from the increasing scarcity of large-diameter timber logs traditionally used to carve drum bodies (Homhuan and Sensai 2024). The researchers employed a combination of documentary analysis, field research, and applied experimentation in collaboration with master drum-makers in Mahasarakham and Buriram provinces in Thailand. The study was conducted in three main phases: (1) analysis and design, (2) prototype production and evaluation, and (3) refinement and final construction.

Phase 1: Analysis and Design

In the first phase, the researchers analyzed the structure and components of long drums made from solid logs, using a prototype drum from Ban Talat, Ban Wai Subdistrict, Wapi Pathum District, Mahasarakham as a reference. The prototype was brought to experienced artisans in Nong Ki District, Buriram Province, to assess feasibility and inform the design process. The characteristics of the drum were examined in detail, including dimensions, contours, and assembly techniques (Fig. 3a).

Subsequently, the researchers created a digital model of the drum using computer-aided design (CAD) software (Rao and Jasthi 2000; Erozan and Ozan 2020). The initial design divided the drum into two main components: the upper part (A), which holds the drumhead, and the lower part (B), forming the tail (Fig. 3b). However, during the practical trial, it was discovered that constructing the drum in only two segments was inefficient in terms of material usage and difficult to fabricate, especially when precise angular cuts were required for joining (Seekhunlio et al. 2024). This prompted a revision of the design to improve practicality and structural strength.

$A photograph of measurements being taken$

Fig. 3a. Measurements Fig. 3b. Structure pattern

Phase 2: Prototype Construction and Evaluation

In response to the initial difficulties, the researchers revised the model by dividing the drum into three separate segments—the upper (Section 1), middle (Section 2), and lower (Section 3)—to facilitate the merging process and improve overall drum stability. The new design was modeled using CAD to illustrate all proportional relationships and construction parameters (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. The drum components are divided into three parts and the unit used for each measurement is “cm”

Section 1 (Upper part)

This is the most critical segment, as it supports the drumhead. It was constructed using three different sizes of processed wood, with 16 pieces of each size (Fig. 5a):

41.5 cm (L) × 5.2 cm (W) × 2 cm (T)
10 cm (L) × 5.2 cm (W) × 2 cm (T)
2.5 cm (L) × 5.2 cm (W) × 2 cm (T)

The wood pieces were first glued together with latex adhesive and dried for two days. Next, each segment was cut along its length to an angle of 14º on both sides to form a complete circle when joined (Fig. 5b). After reapplying glue, the segments were reassembled and secured with nylon rope, then left to dry for another two days (Fig. 5c).

Section 2 (Middle part)

This part connects the top and bottom of the drum. It used 8 rectangular blocks of dimensions 28.5 cm × 7.5 cm × 3 cm, which were each split diagonally to form 16 wedge-shaped pieces with a top width of 5.2 cm and a bottom width of 2 cm (Figs. 6a and 6b). These were also angled to 14º, glued, and bound into a circular form, as with the top section (Fig. 6c).

Section 3 (Lower part)

Serving as the base, this section uses 8 blocks of 30.5 cm × 7.5 cm × 3 cm, each divided into 2 wedges. Each wedge was 30.5 cm long, with a top width of 1.8 cm and a bottom width of 5.2 cm. These were also angled at 14º and glued together to form the flaring tail of the drum (Fig. 7a). After the three sections were completed, they were mounted on a lathe and shaped externally to achieve the smooth curves and proportions of a traditional Isan long drum (Fig. 7b). Tenon joints were carved to allow the segments to be assembled securely.

Phase 3: Refinement and Final Assembly

After successful shaping, the assembled drum was subjected to traditional finishing methods. The drumhead preparation followed the same traditional process used by Isan drum-makers, as detailed in the traditional Isan long drum-making process.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The researchers developed and refined a new method for crafting the traditional Isan long drum by applying a wood-segment merging technique. This method was proposed as a sustainable alternative to the conventional practice of carving the drum body from large-diameter logs, which have become increasingly scarce. By using smaller, processed wood pieces, the technique aimed to preserve the drum’s traditional form, tonal quality, and structural durability while promoting efficient use of timber resources (Fig. 8). Previously, the researchers collaborated on prototype trials with two craftsmen specializing in musical instrument making and a musician who plays the Isan long drum. Through this collaboration, they made adjustments to improve the practicality and craftsmanship of the design. The drum structure was divided into three main sections—upper, middle, and lower—with all measurements recorded in centimeters.